The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported on Wednesday that Russia's crude oil production declined by 460,000 barrels per day (bpd) in April compared with the same month a year earlier, dipping to just over 8.8 million bpd.
The IEA's data accompany a backdrop of intensified Ukrainian drone operations directed at Russian energy facilities. Since March, Ukrainian forces have launched multiple waves of drone strikes on Russia's largest western oil ports, producing major fires in some instances and striking refineries. The reported attacks are described as efforts to weaken Russia's war economy.
Alongside the reduction in output, the Paris-based agency recorded a pronounced movement in export flows. Oil product exports fell by 340,000 bpd in April versus March levels, bringing them down to 2.2 million bpd. The IEA noted that this figure represents the lowest level recorded by the agency.
Contrasting with the fall in product shipments, Russia's crude exports increased in April. The IEA said crude exports rose by 250,000 bpd last month, reaching 4.9 million bpd, up from March.
Context and implications
The IEA data highlight simultaneous shifts: lower domestic crude production year-on-year and a reconfiguration of outbound flows, with product exports falling to record lows while crude shipments strengthened month-on-month. The report links these shifts to the intensified drone campaign targeting energy infrastructure, including large western oil ports and refineries.
Given the information available in the IEA release, the dynamics described point to operational and logistical disruptions to product handling and processing, while crude export volumes moved higher in April relative to March. The IEA report does not provide further detail on storage, refining throughput, or the longer-term outlook.
Executive summary
- Russia's crude production fell 460,000 bpd year-on-year in April to more than 8.8 million bpd, according to the IEA.
- Oil product exports dropped 340,000 bpd from March to 2.2 million bpd, the lowest level recorded by the IEA.
- Crude exports rose 250,000 bpd in April to 4.9 million bpd, up from March.